Sonder Bikes
68 days until the Big Shakeout
Big Shakeout 2026
A small festival, big on adventure.
25 - 27th September 2026 - Celebrate your summer of adventure and chase what's left before the light goes.
The Big Shakeout is a place to celebrate your summer of adventure: three days in the Peak District National Park, spent doing what you love by day, with entertainment taking over each evening. First-timers and lifelong outdoor people alike, solo adventurers and families side by side.
It is a weekend that's been running since 2009 and somehow still feels like the best thing we do all year. Small enough that you'll find your friends again in the beer queue, not lose them in a crowd.
Fill your day with your favourite activity, or try something new. Dip into the School of Adventure programme if you fancy it, about 1,500 course places across the weekend, everything from your first go at outdoor bouldering to a 108-metre zip wire, no pressure either way. By evening, everyone comes together to refuel with hearty food, a well-stocked Foundation bar, talks, films and live music across two stages.
Whether it's your first step outdoors or your ten-thousandth, everyone mixes in together. And that includes the kids, under-16s come free, this is genuinely built for families, not a token tent stuck round the back.
"It was lovely to see so many people feel empowered, sat there listening to someone's story. It's a festival that makes the outdoors feel less intimidating." - Maria, on her first Shakeout
"So many great activities to choose from, I wish I could have done more!"
"Loved the camping setup — relaxed and well organised."
"Such a warm, welcoming atmosphere — it’s why we come back."
What to expect
Two days full of adventure
Do your own thing or join one of our activities. Over 1,300 course places to choose from.
Music, talks and films
Eclectic mix of music, films and talks throughout the evenings. Something for everyone.
Refuel and relax
Delicious food from local providers, a coffee stall and a well stocked Foundation bar.
Step 1: Find a ticket that works for you
Going with mates? Book as a group and it gets cheaper per person, from £107.50 a head for 2 down to £86 for 5. Bringing a couple of teenagers? There's a Family ticket too, worth taking if you've got two or three 16-18 year olds in tow.
On your own, or just want the straight numbers? £120 for the full three days, works out at £40 a day for camping, every daytime activity, and every evening's talks, films and music. Junior (16-18) tickets are £60, kids under 16 go free.
Your entry gets you 2 nights complimentary camping, heaps of free onsite activities and full access to music and talks. Car parking, onsite lodge accommodation and 'School of Adventure' courses are extra.
BSO 2026 Individual Tickets
Your weekend pass to camping, inspirational talks and live music in the Peak District. Adult, Junior and Child tickets available.
From
£60.00
BSO 2026 Group Ticket
2-5 adults, one ticket, cheaper per person the bigger your group. This ticket is ideal for families with kids under 16.
From
£215.00
BSO 2026 Family Ticket
For families with older kids: 2 adults, 3 teens, one flat weekend price.
£300.00
What's in my entry ticket?
Your Big Shakeout ticket gets you...
Individual, family or friends weekend entry
- 2 nights complimentary camping in the grounds of Thornbridge Outdoors
- Adventure films, inspirational talks and lectures
- Music on Friday night and Saturday night (main stage and campfire stage)
- Heaps of free on-site activities for kids of all ages
- 2 nights complimentary camping in the grounds of Thornbridge Outdoors
- Adventure films, inspirational talks and lectures
- Music on Friday night and Saturday night (main stage and campfire stage)
- Heaps of free on-site activities for kids of all ages
Step 2: Get your car parking pass
Bringing a vehicle? You'll need a car or campervan parking pass. Limited spaces available - be quick as car parking can often sell out.
BSO 2026 Car Parking Tickets
Arriving by car? A short walk from camp, with volunteers on hand to help you park.
£10.00
BSO 2026 Campervan/Roof tent Tickets
For any tent with an engine and 4 wheels, roof tents and live-in vehicles included.
£70.00
Step 3: Book your School of Adventure courses
Alpkit Foundation runs a packed programme of outdoor courses over the festival weekend. Try something new, get close to nature and step out of your comfort zone. There's something for every festival goer to find their own challenge.
Adrenaline Rush
Can you keep your head as you swing through the trees on cargo nets and balance beams?
£27.00
Archery Tag
Dodgeball meets archery. Two teams, foam-tipped arrows, one last person standing.
£13.00
Bikepacking Tarp Workshop
Stop your tarp collapsing on your face at 2am. An expert tarpologist shows you how.
£16.00
Bushcraft Skills
Get a fire going from nothing, and build a shelter that would actually keep the rain out.
£13.00
Guided Family Weaseling Walk
Caving and bouldering, minus the cold and wet. Say hello to weaseling.
£27.00
Mastering the Art of Navigation
Master the dark arts of the compass, so you're never really lost again.
£25.00
Mini Adventurer
Torch-lit tunnels, a night-line challenge and a wobble on the low ropes. Built for mini adventurers.
£27.00
Trail Side Bike Maintenance
Fix the mechanical that stops a ride dead, so you're upside down for less of it.
Free
Ultralight Cooking For Bikepacking
A hot meal and a proper morning brew, cooked from a bag that weighs almost nothing.
£15.00
Weather Skills Workshop
Read the sky like a local. Forecast your own adventures, from high winds to inversions.
£15.00
Wet and Wild Underground
Crawl, squeeze and wade through a real Peak District cave, for a full day underground.
£27.00
Step 4: Book accommodation
Camping for the weekend is included in your entry ticket. Don't want to camp? Upgrade to a pre-pitched teepee or bunkhouse room to dial up the comfort.
See what happened last year
Lovingly brought to you by everyone at Alpkit
You, us and a few invited guests
You'll get a warm welcome from the moment you arrive. Big Shakeout is run entirely by Alpkit and Sonder staff, the same people who make and sell your gear the rest of the year.
Ask anyone who's been and the talks come up before the music does. Because it's a microfestival, you're not watching a speaker from thirty rows back, you end up stood next to them at the bar afterwards. Honest, human stories, not slick keynotes.
The person pulling your pint packed your last online order. The person signing you in on Friday sews the bikepacking bags. The person putting up bunting on Thursday night built the bike you rode in on. It's not their day job, and what they pull off together is remarkable.
About 20 people volunteer each year as Shakermakers, working behind the scenes to help put the weekend on. Want to be one of them? Email support@alpkit.com.
Base camp: Thornbridge Outdoors
Our base camp in the Peak District. World-class rock climbing, mountain biking, caves, and walking trails, all within twenty minutes.
Big love for Big Shakeout
"With loads going on for families and adventurers of all ages, The Big Shakeout is a great weekend. Don’t forget to allow a bit of time to soak up the vibe and chill out with like-minded folk, as well as making the most of all the great activities and new skills you can learn... A lovely event."
- Rob Slade, Wired for Adventure
"We absolutely love living in the Peak District with all the outdoor adventures and stunning family walks on our doorstep... But for those families who live in towns and cities who want to cram as much outdoor adventure into a weekend as possible, Alpkit’s Big Shakeout Festival is a must."
- The TraveLynn Family
When is the Big Shakeout?
The Big Shakeout is held on the last weekend of September: 25-27 September 2026
Where is the Big Shakeout?
The Big Shakeout takes place at Thornbridge Outdoors near Great Longstone in the Peak District.
Who runs the Big Shakeout
The Big Shakeout is run by the team at Alpkit. For 52 weeks of the year we run an outdoor brand. Then for one weekend we find our inner Eavis and put on a festival that makes us proud.
Can I volunteer to help at the Big Shakeout?
Yes please. Every year about 20 people volunteer to help out. Our Shakermakers, as we're affectionately known, work tirelessly behind the scenes to help put on the show.
If you're interested in volunteering at this years show then please email support@alpkit.com
Can I bring my pets?
Sorry no. Pets are not allowed on site.
Can I book on an AKF School of Adventure activity without a weekend pass?
No. You must have a valid Big Shakeout weekend ticket to participate in any School of Adventure Activities. Any orders for activities without a Big Shakeout weekend ticket will be cancelled and refunded.
Will School of Adventure activities still go on if the weather is bad?
We will do everything we can to make sure your chosen activity goes ahead, however in some circumstances a course may have to be cancelled due to weather or lack of numbers. In these cases we will either offer you a place on an alternative activity or refund.
When will I receive my tickets?
You will receive an email confirmation with an order reference number upon completing your order. Your order number is your unique reference number, bring it along with you and present it at registration.You will need your order reference number to register on arrival.
What disabled facilities are there?
There are no dedicated disabled weekend activity tickets, however some activities may be suitable with additional instruction. Please contact us with your requirements to see how we can tailor the experiences accordingly.
Is there any parking, and what if I am in a camper van?
Tickets will be available for on-site parking. If you are in a campervan, please buy a campervan ticket for the Big Shakeout festival, there will be a designated campervan space available for you. If the ground is unsuitable due to conditions, parking will be along the public road.
Can I make a group booking?
We do not reserve tickets for group bookings. Everyone in your group needs to register and purchase tickets in the same way as anybody else buying tickets.
What about under 18s?
Under 18 year-olds must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Proof of age / photo ID may be required for entry.
What about refunds/cancellations/exchanges?
We cannot give refunds unless the event is cancelled or substantially altered. Tickets cannot be transferred to another name.
Can I get a day ticket?
This is a weekend event - no day or evening tickets are available for purchase.
What time can I arrive/what time should I leave?
We know you'll be eager so start arriving from 2pm on the Friday to access the car park and pitch up. Access to the full site will be from 4pm. The last course is scheduled to end at 2pm on Sunday, so we'll be clearing away the site from then.
Site Etiquette
Prohibited items include, but are not restricted to:
Glass bottles, naked flames, drugs/illegal substances, guns, crossbows, generators, fireworks, chinese/flying lanterns, flares